Watch All That Jazz

All That Jazz is a captivating and intense movie from 1979 that is partly autobiographical, directed by the renowned Bob Fosse. The film tells the story of Joe Gideon, a highly talented but self-destructive choreographer and director, who finds himself in the midst of a series of drastic life changes. The movie captivates the audience from the very first scenes, as the frantic pace and energetic music introduce Joe's character in all his talent and flaws.

Joe Gideon is subtly played by the talented Roy Scheider, who expertly portrays the character with a perfect balance of charisma, confidence, and vulnerability. The audience is quickly introduced to Joe's ambitious character who has a passion for his work, but is also somewhat reckless when it comes to his own health and relationships. He spends his days working hard to create the perfect show, while simultaneously juggling his love life and taking care of his young daughter.

The plot of the movie is mainly focused on Joe's creative process, and how he approaches the various obstacles that arise when trying to bring a Broadway show to life. The scenes of rehearsal and performance are especially well-crafted, with Bob Fosse's signature style evident throughout with his use of highly stylized camera movements and intense lighting. The audience is given a rare behind-the-scenes look at the hard work and sacrifice that goes into making a Broadway musical, from the sometimes dangerous and illegal shortcuts taken to meet deadlines to the sheer exhaustion of rehearsing endlessly and still not feeling prepared enough.

As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that all is not well in Joe's life outside of his creative bubble. He has a tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, Audrey (played by Leland Palmer), and while he is not technically cheating on his current girlfriend, Kate (played by the beautiful Ann Reinking), he is certainly not committed to her either. Meanwhile, his recurring dreams of an otherworldly Angel of Death (Jessica Lange) serve as a haunting reminder that his fast-living lifestyle may eventually catch up to him.

Despite these obvious flaws in his character, Joe remains a charming and likable protagonist throughout the movie. It is impossible not to root for him as he strives for excellence in his work, and the audience can't help but feel invested in his personal life as well. This is thanks in large part to Roy Scheider's expert portrayal of the character, as his natural warmth and talent shine through even in Joe's darker moments.

All That Jazz is not just a movie about creating a Broadway show, however. It is also a powerful exploration of the darker side of ambition and the high price of fame. Joe's obsessive perfectionism and an all-consuming passion for his work ultimately lead to a downward spiral that includes drug addiction, failed relationships, and worsening health issues. The movie doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of these issues, and the audience is left with a sense of both admiration for Joe's talent and sadness for his tragic end. The film serves as a stark reminder that even the greatest artistic triumphs can come at a tremendous cost.

In addition to its powerful themes and expert directing, All That Jazz is also notable for its incredible soundtrack. The film features a number of classic songs (including "On Broadway" and "Take Off With Us") that are expertly performed by the talented cast. Bob Fosse's choreography is also a highlight, with every dance number taking on a frenetic energy and a seemingly impossible level of precision.

All in all, All That Jazz is a remarkable movie that stands the test of time. It is a must-watch for fans of musicals, Bob Fosse, and the art of filmmaking in general. The film doesn't shy away from difficult themes or uncomfortable truths, yet still manages to be incredibly entertaining and engaging throughout. It is a true masterpiece of cinema, and a fitting tribute to the life and work of one of the greatest choreographers of all time.

All That Jazz is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 72.